Achieve Beautifully Aligned Teeth with Porcelain Veneers

Feb 25, 2013 @ 02:00 PM — by James Stein

You may be familiar with the remarkable aesthetic transformations that can be realized with porcelain veneers. Perhaps you have even considered undergoing a smile makeover with porcelain veneers, with images in your mind of the flawless smile that could be yours. Indeed, porcelain veneers are among the most popular of all cosmetic dentistry procedures for good reason. They look natural and make even the most worn and faded smiles look absolutely brilliant.

Did you know, however, that porcelain veneers can also be used to correct certain orthodontic issues? That’s right - not only do porcelain veneers improve the aesthetics of the mouth, but they can also be used to improve your oral health. For the right candidates, “instant orthodontics” with porcelain veneers may even allow them to avoid long-term orthodontic treatment with metal braces.

Boston cosmetic dentist James Stein has helped many of his patients achieve the healthy, beautiful smiles they desire through instant orthodontics with porcelain veneers. Are you a good candidate for this treatment? The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation at the Boston cosmetic dentistry practice of Dr. James Stein today.

How Porcelain Veneers Can Restore Good Oral Health

Porcelain veneers are strong, durable restorations that are customized to fit on top of the surfaces of teeth. Generally, they are used to conceal cosmetic flaws, such as chips, cracks, and discoloration. However, they can also be used to change the shape and length of teeth that are disproportional with the surrounding teeth in the mouth. For example, upper front teeth that are too short can be extended so that they meet with their counterparts on the lower jaw when the mouth is closed. Likewise, teeth that are separated by gaps can be widened so that they do not drift out of position. Such treatment helps to strengthen and improve the bite, one of the chief objectives of orthodontics.

At our cosmetic dentistry practice in Boston, porcelain veneers are custom crafted with the surrounding teeth, the composition of the jaw, and the entire face very much in mind. As a result, instant orthodontics with porcelain veneers can effectively restore health and comfort to the mouth, reducing pain while eating and speaking and imposing uniformity on the visible front teeth. The result is a smile that is healthier, stronger, and more aesthetically pleasing.

Candidacy for Instant Orthodontics

At our dental practice in Boston, instant orthodontics is not necessarily recommended for all patients. Depending on your needs and goals and the condition of your teeth and bite, Dr. Stein may recommend more traditional orthodontic treatment as opposed to porcelain veneers. The best candidates for instant orthodontics are adults with minor malocclusion, spaces between teeth, and teeth that are misshapen. More extensive orthodontic issues may have to be treated through other means. Many patients with more serious orthodontic issues undergo treatment with braces or Invisalign® first, and then “top off” their treatment with porcelain veneers, once their teeth are sufficiently straight.